Information for:

News Center

Smithsonian, Showtime Hit Snag

Professor Lawrence Lessig is mentioned in Daily Variety signing a letter opposing Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between Showtime and the Smithsonian that would provide on-demand programming:

But the deal immediately drew fire from public-interest groups and documakers, who said that by making a proprietary deal with a pay web -- and by giving the net the right of first refusal -- the Smithsonian was cutting off an important source of footage for filmmakers.

Several hundred activists and filmmakers -- including Michael Moore, Anna Deavere Smith, and Lawrence Lessig -- signed and published a letter registering their opposition.